Syrie James

Hello dear readers,

To celebrate the launch of my new website, I’m giving away a signed copy of Jane Austen’s First Love, a novel that I’m honored to say was a Library Journal Editor’s Pick of the Year, and the Historical Novel Society called a “masterwork.”

Based entirely on real people and inspired by real events, the book is about Jane Austen’s mad, matchmaking summer romance as a precocious teen with the remarkable and charismatic Edward Taylor. In the process, she gains a lifetime’s worth of experience that will help make her into the literary titan she is destined to become.

Jane Austen mentions Edward Taylor several times in her letters as a young man upon whom she once “fondly doated,” but biographers had almost no information about him. I dove into my research and discovered a rare memoir full of details about Edward Taylor’s life and family, and had such fun bringing him to life. So for the first time anywhere, you can read about Edward Taylor and what he meant to Jane Austen!

The theme of the novel is about taking control of one’s destiny and following one’s heart. When you read the book, I hope you’ll see why Jane Austen fell in love with Edward Taylor–and why I fell a little bit in love with him myself.

There are 3 quick ways to enter: 1) Sign up for my newsletter (and you’ll be entered automatically). 2) Fill out the form on my website’s contact page.  3) Sign up to follow my blog. I’ll select one name on June 30 via random number generator. The winner will be notified by email. (Giveaway limited to U.S. subscribers.)

Good luck to all!

To stay on top of more giveaways and news on a wide range of topics related to my novels in progress, please consider following my blog and sign up for my occasional newsletter. I hope you fill your summer with great reading!

UPDATE: WINNER ANNOUNCED

Thank you to all who entered the giveaway. I really appreciate your enthusiastic response. And now … drum roll, please … the winner is Stephanie Carrico!

Congratulations, Stephanie! Please check your snail-mailbox soon for your signed copy of Jane Austen’s First Love.

Jane Austen’s First Love, by Syrie James

Published by: Berkley/ NAL Penguin Group
Trade Paperback: 400 pages
ISBN13: 978-0425271353